We had a batch of goslings in season, no problem, the adults looked out for the cluster of little ones just fine.
But, not knowing any better, we let the geese who wanted to keep laying, and sitting, keep doing so well into summer. I believe there were 2 goslings that didn't make it - I'd see 'em in the flock and then not see 'em again. There was one last gosling, whom I spotted and paid attention to, made sure there was fine-cut grass near his nest, put corn meal and other goodies around (of course had to make sure there was enough for everyone) and he was making it. Then one day I heard him calling, and later still heard him calling, it seemed to be near this one backhoe, so I looked around "by ear" and Lo and behold, he was down in a hole in the ground with water in it, treading water! Poor little guy, he could have become exhausted and given up and no one would have found him. So I fished him out and handed him over to the flock, who of course were convinced it was all my fault .... well, the worst part was watching the rough treatment and bullying he got while growing up. It seems that a group of goslings, in season, will get treated well. But these out of season individuals don't trigger the care-taking instincts and they have a hard life.
So this year (if I've not found a home for my flock by then) I'm going to be a homewrecker and harvest those eggs that come after the spring goslings are are brought into the world.
But, not knowing any better, we let the geese who wanted to keep laying, and sitting, keep doing so well into summer. I believe there were 2 goslings that didn't make it - I'd see 'em in the flock and then not see 'em again. There was one last gosling, whom I spotted and paid attention to, made sure there was fine-cut grass near his nest, put corn meal and other goodies around (of course had to make sure there was enough for everyone) and he was making it. Then one day I heard him calling, and later still heard him calling, it seemed to be near this one backhoe, so I looked around "by ear" and Lo and behold, he was down in a hole in the ground with water in it, treading water! Poor little guy, he could have become exhausted and given up and no one would have found him. So I fished him out and handed him over to the flock, who of course were convinced it was all my fault .... well, the worst part was watching the rough treatment and bullying he got while growing up. It seems that a group of goslings, in season, will get treated well. But these out of season individuals don't trigger the care-taking instincts and they have a hard life.
So this year (if I've not found a home for my flock by then) I'm going to be a homewrecker and harvest those eggs that come after the spring goslings are are brought into the world.
